Certain cancers and diseases caused by HPV

HPV can infect both males and females. Although there are more than 40 genital types of HPV, 12 high-risk types of HPV cause the majority of HPV-related cancers and diseases.

For most, HPV clears on its own. But, for others who don't clear certain types, HPV could cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females and anal cancer in both males and females. Other types could cause genital warts in both males and females. And there's no way to predict who will or won't clear the virus.

*Not all cases of vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers are caused by HPV. Approximately 70% to 75% of vaginal cancer cases, 30% of vulvar cancer cases, and 85% to 90% of anal cancer cases are HPV related.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of HPV.

In the Philippines, almost 2,800 women die of cervical cancer every year. Statistically, that means 7 women everyday.

When a female is infected with these types of HPV, and the virus doesn't go away on its own, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina). If these abnormal cells are not found through routine cervical cancer screening and treated, precancer and then cervical cancer can develop. That's why it's important to get regular cervical cancer screenings when a female is age-appropriate.

Many females with cervical cancer were probably exposed to cancer-causing HPV types in their teens and 20s. In fact, women in their teens and 20s may be more vulnerable to certain infections than older women. That's why it's important for parents to learn how to help protect their children before they're exposed to HPV.

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy and is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality among Filipino women.

Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is cancer of the anus, which is the opening at the lower end of the intestines (bowels). It affects both males and females. Data on anal cancer in the Philippines is limited, in addition to the fact that it is rare than most other malignancies. Based on the Cancer Registry for Manila for the period 2003 to 2007, there were 56 reported cases.

Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers

Vaginal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the vagina. The vagina is the canal leading from the cervix (the opening of uterus) to the outside of the body. At birth, a baby passes out of the body through the vagina (also called the birth canal).

Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that occurs on the outer surface area of the female genitalia. The vulva is the area of skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina, including the clitoris and labia.

Vulvar cancer commonly forms as a lump or sore on the vulva that often causes itching. Though it can occur at any age, vulvar cancer is most commonly diagnosed in older women.

Based on the Cancer Registry in Manila for the period 2003 to 2007, there were 42 reported cases of vulvar cancer, majority of whom were in the >60 yr old age range. For this same time frame, there were 33 reported cases of vaginal cancer, with peak age range between 55 to 70 years old.

Genital warts

Genital warts are also caused by certain types of HPV. They are usually flesh-colored growths that may be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large. But even after seeing pictures, you may not be able to recognize genital warts because they don't always look the same.

Although genital warts can be treated, treatment doesn't cure the HPV infection that caused them. Treatment for genital warts can also be painful (for example, it may involve cutting, freezing, or applying medicine to the warts) and, even after treatment, genital warts can come back. In fact, approximately 25% of all cases return within 3 months. As with other diseases, it's best to find out what you can do to help protect your son or daughter before exposure.

Don't wait until your child is at risk. Ask your doctor now about how you can help protect your child against HPV-related cancers and diseases.